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Windows Storage Spaces (ReFS) - Unable to Do File Based (Not Sector Based) Backup TI2016

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Hello,

I have a 500gb storage space setup with a drive letter assigned.  In this storage space, only half of it is filled with files (250gb used/250gb free).

When I attempted to backup this storage space, Acronis backed up the ENTIRE 500gb drive.  This was with File Based method chosen (not Sector Based).  It was backing up 250gb of blank empty space.

Question: Is Acronis working on a way to backup files from Storage Spaces (and ignore empty blank space)?  Storage Spaces and ReFS is the future.  So incredibly easy.

PS. Acronis is not alone with this "blank space" issue.  I tested a few competitors and ran into the same issue.  I don't understand what the problem is.  ReFS offers the same NTFS API's for compatibility.

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Windows 10 home.  6gb+6gb storage pool (raid 1 equivalent setup).

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I think the problem here is that backup software uses the file system information  to determine what to backup. With storages spaces,  I guess this pass the wrong information of the virtual storage capacity, vs the actual used space on that storage. I am no developer here, I am just guessing it is a bit like virtual machine disks.

Consider using a file sync software, this will use the file information as it is seen by the OS.

Thanks Pat.  Yeah I am looking into file sync software.  So strange though....

Storage Spaces is utterly amazing.  No more corrupted disks, no more CHKDISK destroying drives. 

Microsoft File History is (somewhat) half-baked.  Treats file name changes as a brand new file (with another full file copy of course). 

I think Microsoft File History is actually very good. You are right with the file renaming issue, a problem with mass renaming like pictures or music. I think Syncback SE can handle file renaming, but you'd have to try to make sure.

Hello, Randy.

Please clarify this - when you say "File Based method" do you mean that when creating the backup plan you select "Files and folders" instead of "Disks and partitions"? If so then this is indeed strange, because I've had no issues when using this method.

On the other hand, if you meant that you select "Disks and partitions" and leave the option "Back up sector-by-sector" disabled - then yes, there can be problems because True Image does not support ReFS (though only when dealing with disk-level backups, apparently).

Hi Dmitry, settings below:

Yeah, by "File based" I meant unchecking the sector-by-sector box (sorry). 

  • Whole drive backup.
  • Backup sector-by-sector is NOT checked. 

I did not think about trying a "folder location" backup.  Suppose I could move all drive files underneath a single (parent) folder.  Then backup the parent folder.  Essentially backing up the entire drive.   

Will try it out in next day or two and report back.  

Thanks. 

Hi Dimitry,

The file-based backup trick worked!  The Storage Space drive had 250gb of files in it.....and Acronis backed up a 250gb file.  Perfect. 

 

Randy, I'm glad the suggestion helped!